September marks a significant turning point for Central Florida gardeners, signaling the ideal time to transition from summer’s oppressive heat and heavy rains to a milder, productive growing season. This period is often called a “second spring.” Strategically timing plantings now allows you to establish an abundant garden that will thrive throughout the mild fall and winter months. The lingering warmth combined with the promise of cooler weather creates the perfect window to start the region’s most successful crops.
Understanding Central Florida’s September Climate
The Central Florida region (USDA Hardiness Zones 9a–10a) experiences September as a month of climatic transition. Daytime temperatures remain high, often peaking in the low 90s, and soil temperatures are still elevated from summer. This residual heat is a primary factor in determining successful plant establishment. September is also the tail end of the summer rainy season, requiring gardeners to manage high humidity and sporadic heavy rainfall.
Because of this intense early heat, many cool-season vegetables must be started indoors or in a protected, shaded environment. This prevents “bolting,” or premature flowering, which is triggered by high temperatures. Starting long-maturing crops indoors allows them to develop robust root systems before being transplanted once consistent nighttime temperatures drop. Using transplants rather than direct seeding often yields better results for heat-sensitive varieties during this period.
Main Vegetable Crops for Fall Planting
September is the time to plant long-maturing, cool-season crops that will form the foundation of the fall and winter harvest. The Brassica family, including broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, must be started this month. Specific broccoli varieties like ‘Calabrese’ or ‘Waltham 29’ perform well in the region’s climate. These plants are typically started from seed indoors during the first half of September and transplanted into garden beds in October once the weather moderates.
Tomatoes and peppers should be planted from transplants rather than seed now. Gardeners who started seedlings in August will transplant these warm-season favorites to allow them to mature before December’s cooler temperatures. Heat-tolerant varieties, such as ‘Homestead’ or ‘Florida Weave’ tomatoes, are good choices for this late-season planting. Direct-sowing root vegetables like carrots, beets, and turnips is also appropriate, as they prefer to grow in place without transplant shock. Carrot varieties such as ‘Nantes’ or ‘Danvers’ are well-suited for Central Florida’s sandy loam soils.
Fast-Growing Herbs and Leafy Greens
The cooling trend in September makes it an excellent time to plant a wide variety of leafy greens and annual herbs. Greens like lettuce, kale, spinach, and Swiss chard can be direct-sown this month. Select bolt-resistant lettuce varieties, such as ‘Muir’ or ‘Simpson Elite,’ to handle unexpected warm spells.
For a continuous harvest, employ succession planting by sowing small batches of seeds every two to three weeks. This practice prevents an entire crop from maturing all at once and ensures a steady supply of fresh greens. Herbs that thrive in cooling weather, such as cilantro, dill, and parsley, can be sown now. Cilantro prefers milder conditions and will quickly bolt in high heat, making September the ideal time to start its growth cycle.
Seasonal Flowers and Ornamentals
Beyond edible crops, September provides an opportunity to refresh landscape beds and containers with seasonal flowers and ornamentals. Flowers that handle the transition from summer heat to cooler fall temperatures are ideal for planting now. Petunias, marigolds, and zinnias are reliable annuals that offer vibrant color and establish a strong presence before winter.
Planting cold-hardy trees and shrubs is also encouraged this month, as the mild fall weather allows for strong root establishment. Ornamental plants like salvia and pentas are excellent choices for adding color and attracting pollinators, such as butterflies and hummingbirds. Incorporating ornamental kale and cabbage can provide unique texture and color to the landscape, as these plants thrive in the approaching cooler temperatures.